Possessed Believer??

[tatwo]

Thank you for your kind assessment @Gracejj...I do appreciate it...now I will finish my explanation...and perhaps we will have further discussion if necessary?

It might be prudent to say that “humans” were created in a way as to house spirits…there is the “human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and evil spirits” just to shed some light on what we are discussing here. That being said…it is possible as we know…for a human to be possessed of an evil spirit…the question is…“Can a believer be possessed?”

The Greek word translated as “demon-possessed” is G1139 “daimonizomai” which is defined as…to be demon-possessed or to be under the power of a demon…this describes individuals who are “possessed or influenced” by demons. It implies a condition where a person is “under the control or significant influence of a demonic entity,” often resulting in physical, mental, or spiritual afflictions. This term is distinct from mere temptation or oppression, indicating a deeper level of demonic influence.

Now the scriptures...especially the New Testament are replete with reference to demons and demon possession…so anyone with a disciplined reading and studying habit should be familiar with them…their presence…their actions and how they operate…if not just look again. They are referenced as “evil spirits, idols, false gods, fallen angels and demons” and perhaps there are others.

They are spirit beings from the realm of darkness and evil…the dark heavenly [spiritual] realm…as Paul teaches specifically in Ephesians. The fact that they are cloaked in “invisibility” [spirit] adds to their ability to be a menace to humanity. I think it is safe to say that they are arranged in some organized form and that some are yet “imprisoned” for future release.

Consider Paul on the matter…[emphasis mine]…“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 NASB

Looks like a “demonic military command structure” of sorts in my mind…if that is so…then they have a strategic vision or mission and a tactical means to carrying out their missions against humans for sure...hence Paul's admonition.

Now…their “power” is “deception” made up of…lies, propaganda, gaslighting, magic, sickness, insanity, mute, deaf and for those who read the scriptures…they are masters at “twisting the meanings of any passage”….and other nefarious means to blind the “eyes” of humans…both ”believers and unbelievers” alike…from their “schemes” and from the Truth of Christ.

So…”demonic possession” as the scriptures declare…tell us that they manifest in the following manner…“ill, violent, mute, blind, wicked, insane, unclean, naked, self and verbally abusive, and there may be others?” An intentional look at these “manifestations of the demonic” reveals its impact upon humans. 

The effects of demon possession that I listed above…upon humanity…as you can see can be…“mental, emotional, physical and spiritual”…and this is all accomplished…through an invisible evil spirit(s)…generally manifested via the flesh of its victim.

With the definition of “demon-possession”…defined as including both…“possessed or influenced”…and…”under the control or significant influence of a demonic entity” and the physical manifestations as I listed earlier including…“ill, violent, mute, blind, wicked, insane, unclean, naked, self and verbally abusive, and there may be others”…one needs to ask themselves…have I ever seen a “believer” exhibiting any of these behaviors? Perhaps one has seen a manifestation these behaviors in themselves as a “believer.”

I’ll leave this brief deconstruction of “Can a believer be possessed?” right here for whosoever will…choose for yourselves what you will believe.

Now…there would be no way for an evil spirit to ever be able to “possess or influence” the human spirit that is filled with the Holy Spirit…nor would they ever desire to do so. However there is the “psuché” or the human “soul” which if you will remember is the “seat of the mind will and emotions.”

Here…in the soul…is where an evil demonic spirit can exert some “control or significant influence…i.e. possession” upon the “mind, will and emotion” of a believer. They can indeed affect the mind or thinking of a believer via “deception”…it has probably happened to all of us at some point. If…it can affect ones thinking in any way…then it most certainly can affect the “will” of a believer.

For example “deception can lead to apostasy” which is where a “believer falls away” and it is by ones “deceived mind” that one’s “will” allows or causes them to “fall away.” In reality…the emotions are also going to be deeply affected by the deceived mind and will as well…there is so much to this.

Suffice it to say…that the “soul of a believer” can be susceptible to “demonic possession and influence.”  Hope this helps someone.

Tatwo…

[seeking the lost]

On 1/14/2025 at 7:28 PM, Gracejj said:

Can a believer be possessed?

I recently heard this message, I want to ask your thoughts on this..

"We were taught as a Christian that a believer can't be demon possessed if he has Holy Spirit within them, you are no longer owned by devil, you were bought with a price. However, Ownership and possession is two different things, eg- people own their  house but sometimes squatters squats and it comes under squatters's possessions. Just bcos you have Christ in your life but that doesn't mean you become impermeable to the demons schemes and tactics, the way you live your life will determine whether you have violated God's law and coming with the new agreement with devil even though God said you are free from it. "

So what do you think? Can a believer be demon possessed? 

🤔

 

 

There are many different thoughts on this.  Consider Ephesians 2 : 

Alive with Christ

1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 

The indication of the preposition "in" does not allow for just outside influence.

My position is not to let them hide anywhere.  To argue about words is not helpful when it is stated clearly.

[nebula]

On 1/14/2025 at 8:28 PM, Gracejj said:

Can a believer be possessed?

If you lay aside the English word "possessed" and go by the meaning of the word “daimonizomai” - as explained above - 'to be under the power of a demon,' one can understand that we need to re-adjust our understanding of the situation.

Can a Christian be under the power of a demon? Do you still have sin in your life? (Be honest, no one is perfect from sin. None of us can claim we no longer struggle with our flesh, never give into temptation, act in love all the time, etc. 

Take a Christian who harbors unforgiveness. We know the teaching about the man who failed to forgive the debt of another being given over to the tormenters, correct? Can a Christian harboring unforgiveness fall under the power of a demon (the tormentors)?

Can a person who becomes a Christian, who has not been able to overcome self-hatred, be prey to the power of a demon with thoughts and feelings and bad dreams with regards to such?

I could go on with lists of various sins that various Christians chronically struggle with. 

As for the Poltergeist types of manifestations, such is more seen where witchcraft permeates a culture, I believe.